Day: September 20, 2023
The News And Times Information Network – Blogs By Michael Novakhov – thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com
The authorities of the Republic of Artsakh have agreed to the proposal of the Russian peacekeepers to establish ceasefire from 1 pm.
Artsakh President’s staff said in a statement the analysis of the actions of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan shows that they aim at dividing Artsakh and causing irreparable damage to its vitality.
“During two days of stubborn battles, the units of the Armed Forces of Artsakh heroically defended against the enemy, which was much superior in manpower and military equipment, causing large losses,” the President’s staff said.
Unfortunately, there are casualties on the Armenian side, and in some areas the enemy has managed to break into the military positions of the Defense Forces, take control of a number of heights and strategic road junctions.
“In the current situation, the actions of the international community in the direction of stopping the war and resolving the situation are insufficient. Taking into account all this, the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh accept the proposal of the command of the Russian peacekeeping mission regarding the cessation of fire,” the President’s staff said.
The Russian peacekeeping contingent said earlier an agreement was reached on a complete cessation of hostilities from 13:00 on September 20, 2023.
It said an agreement was reached on the withdrawal of the remaining units and military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia from the zone of deployment of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and the disbandment and complete disarmament of what it called armed formations of the “Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army” and the withdrawal of heavy equipment and weapons from the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh with the aim of their speedy disposal.
The issues of rights and security of Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh will be discussed at a meeting between representatives of the local Armenian population and representatives of Azerbaijani authorities at a meeting in the city of Yevlakh on September 21, 2023 and during subsequent meetings.
OSCE Chairman-in-Office, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, held separate meetings yesterday with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, on the margins of the UN General Assembly.
Chairman Osmani raised his deep concerns over yesterday’s military operations in the region and the danger these pose to the affected civilian population. While calling for immediate de-escalation, he again voiced his concerns over the severe consequences for the conflict-affected population, especially on vulnerable groups. He emphasized that humanitarian considerations must prevail and that humanitarian needs of the local people must be met.
He underscored that the use of force to resolve disputes was completely and always unacceptable and that sustained, constructive dialogue in good faith was the only path toward sustainable peace.
The Chairman reiterated his readiness for personal and active engagement and emphasized that the OSCE stood ready to assist Armenia and Azerbaijan on their path to peace. He noted that the OSCE retained the relevant experience, expertise, and tools to facilitate dialogue, build trust and implement relevant agreements that support normalizing relations between the parties.